Arts & Creativity

Under the direction of renowned spiritual artist Dana Lynne Andersen, the Academy of Art, Creativity and Consciousness has been established at Ananda Assisi. The purpose of the Academy is to use all of the arts as instruments for awakening higher consciousness in the individual and transmitting that consciousness into society. A 3 minute walk from the Ananda Center, the Academy features a gallery of art, a studio classroom and a venue for concerts, performances and other cultural events.

Academy courses include painting, sculpture, theatre, music, dance, poetry, film...ALL modalities of the Arts. Courses are open to all levels of experience. No artistic experience or talent is required. For those who wish to discover and express their creative nature, weekend introductions offer a playful yet profound experience. 5-7 day courses dive deeper. In addition the Academy offers certifications in 'Transformative Arts', Art for Peacebuilding' and 'Teaching Creativity to Children'. All of these programs are useful tools for those in teaching, healing, counseling and art education professions.

Dana Lynne Andersen is known in the United States and in India as a luminary in the emerging field of Art & Consciousness. She has taught and exhibited on three continents. Her inspiring spiritual paintings are often grande in scale and convey a sense of cosmic vision. Several were chosen by Swami Kriyananda as covers for his books. She is the founder of “Awakening Arts”, an international network of artists committed to the creation of art that is inspiring and transformative, and is known as a loving and inspiring teacher. Dana received her bachelor’s degree cum laude in philosophy, and her Master’s Degree in the Study of Consciousness from John F. Kennedy University.

In addition to the courses offered through Ananda, the Academy also hosts programs with guest teachers, artists, muscians and healers. The Gallery is also a venue for concerts, performances and other special events. During your stay at Ananda be sure and come by for a visit.